Saying farewell to the Constellation

It was a city within a city. For 41 years, the carrier Constellation — home to as many as 5,500 sailors — operated out of San Diego Bay, where its island became part of the city’s skyline. More than 160,000 men and women served on "Connie" during a period that stretched from the height of the Vietnam War to the invasion of Iraq in 2003. As the Navy prepares to scrap the ship, former sailors recount how Constellation was important to them and the city.

Remembering the Connie

On April 4, the Midway and U-T San Diego hosted a conversation about the Constellation and memories of its active duty. Among the speakers was Ret. Captain Gil Rud, former executive officer Bruce Churchill and CPO Scott Oram. What follows is stories from the panel: